Obituary of Herb Vandervalk

Born December 10, 1941, in Middelharnis in the Netherlands, Herb passed away peacefully at home in Port Colborne, with his family by his side on April 19, 2023 after a valiant journey with cancer. Survived by his loving spouse of 40 years, Debra Charlesworth, his children Richard Vandervalk (Cheryl), Christine Popovich (Rob), Bryan Vandervalk, Matthew (Lindsay), Melissa (Troy), and Peter (Vanessa) Charlesworth, his grandchildren Joel (Charlotte), Alexandra, Stephanie (Matt), Michael, Abby, Scarlett, Bennet, as well as his great-grandson Lucas. Herb is survived by his brother Peter (Karen), sister Martha Mason (Ian), brother John and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Izak and Anna (Jordaan) van der Valk, his brother Jacob and his sister Jane.

Herb was an avid soccer player before and after immigrating to Canada in 1954 with his parents and younger brothers Jacob and Peter. He was a member of the Fort Erie Kinsmen and Fort Erie Minor Hockey Association, and during the 1970s and 1980s, coached numerous hockey and soccer teams. Herb loved golf and spending time with his Uncle Simon at the Fort Erie Racetrack. He enjoyed a 60-year career in sales – insurance at Glenny Insurance and Vandervalk Insurance in Fort Erie, followed by selling tractor trailers for King Equipment in Woodstock and Trailers Unlimited in Grimsby. Herb loved his family and his community and with his natural gift of gab, was known as the great storyteller among his friends and family. Herb also enjoyed woodworking and cabinet making and spent many hours perfecting his craft.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Levesque, Dr. Song, Dr. McGeary, and Dr.Hallock, the oncology team at Walker Family Cancer Centre for their expertise, guidance, and support throughout Herb’s journey with cancer. And, in Herb’s final months, thanks to Dr. Scher and the HNHB HLIN – Niagara Branch palliative care team for their compassionate end-of-life care. Please consider Walker Family Cancer Centre if you would like to make a donation in Herb’s memory. As per Herb’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will not be any formal service or visitation. Arrangements are entrusted to Essentials Cremation and Burial Services.